Silicone basting brush

ABSTRACT

A silicone basting brush is provided. The brush has a handle portion and a basting portion. The basting portion includes a plurality of flexible silicone bristle units. The bristle units are slotted for receiving and retaining a basting sauce in the slots and releasing the sauce from the slots when the bristle unit is flexed by applying the basting portion to the surface of a food.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to basting brushes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Basting brushes are used to transfer sauce onto a food surface. When dipped into a volume of sauce, the bristles wick sauce into the spaces between the bristles where the sauce is retained. When the bristles are brushed over the surface, the sauce is dispersed evenly to coat the surface. This has many culinary applications, on the barbecue, in baking, for basting during cooking, or for adding a finishing coating to cooked foods.

Conventional basting brushes use natural or synthetic fibre bristles. Although reasonably good for retaining sauce, they have a variety of problems. Chief among them, the bristles do not hold up over a long term of use. The stress of heat exposure, wear from use and cleaning, and exposure to both oily and astringent substances tends to break down the fibres. These can fracture or shed, and may leave behind fibre bits on the food.

Another drawback of conventional bristle brushes is their construction. Typically a bunch of fibres is joined to a handle by a ferrule, which retains both the fibres and the handle end. The retained fibres trap sauce in the crevices, which can never be completely cleaned out. A buildup of residue may occur at the ferrule joint, which can be both unhygienic and unsightly.

Recently, silicone bristle brushes have emerged which have fewer drawbacks. They stand up well against heat, wear, cleaning and exposure to various elements. Silicone bristle brushes also clean out completely, as the silicone is non-absorbent. Material and water slide off the surface of the silicone.

However, this slipperiness of silicone also poses a challenge for basting brushes as the silicone tends also to shed sauce, rather than retain it for basting. Thus, silicone basting brushes are not as effective at sauce transfer as conventional fibre brushes. Some manufacturers of silicone basting brushes have attempted to remedy this by simply providing a greater density of silicone bristles. However, there is a practical limit to the “density” approach, and the bristles can be packed in so densely that they start to suffer from residue buildup similar to conventional brushes. Another approach has been to slow the “dribble” of sauce down the bristles by providing a ball or bulbous end on each of the bristles. This has some benefit, although it is still not as effective as conventional fibre brushes.

It would be desirable to provide an improved silicone basting brush which overcomes the above drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, a basting brush is provided. The brush has, generally, a handle portion and a basting portion. The basting portion has a plurality of flexible silicone bristle units. Each bristle unit has a length and an end distal from the handle portion, and defines at least one slot along the length which does not separate the end of the bristle unit. Each bristle unit is capable of receiving and retaining a basting sauce in the at least one slot and releasing the sauce from the slot when the bristle unit is flexed by applying the basting portion to the surface.

A “slot” as used herein is simply an opening in the bristle unit. Use of the term “slot” is not intended to imply any specific shape, dimension or position of such an opening, except where otherwise specified.

A “bristle unit” has at least one bristle. In one embodiment, a bristle unit has two bristles joined at their ends. The bristles may be joined by heat-fusing, by adhesion, by a cap over the ends, or by some other method.

Alternatively, a single bristle in a bristle unit may be slotted, providing a pocket within the bristle unit. Each bristle unit may have a beveled or concave interior surface proximate to the slot. Other parts of the bristle unit may also be beveled or concave.

The basting brush may have rows of bristle units. For instance, the brush may have a linear arrangement of bristle units, or a concentric arrangement of bristle units. In an offset linear arrangement, the bristle units in adjacent rows may be arranged so that they do not touch each other.

Various shapes of bristle units are possible. The bristle units may be fluted. It is possible to have multiple slots in the bristle unit. The bristle units may have surface texturing to enhance sauce wicking.

The basting portion and the handle portion are connected together. The portions may be fixed or separable. It may be desirable to have the basting portion be easily removable from the handle for separate cleaning. The basting portion and the handle portion may be of a common material. The basting portion will ordinarily be relatively more flexible than the handle portion. In one possible embodiment, the basting portion is integral with the handle portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a silicone basting brush.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the silicone basting brush.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the silicone basting brush.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the silicone basting brush.

FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a single bristle row arrangement, having a separate base element.

FIG. 6 shows a detail view of a single bristle row arrangement, each bristle unit having its own base portion.

FIG. 7 shows a detail view of a single bristle row arrangement, each row of bristle units having its own base portion.

FIGS. 8-16 show detail views of various possible bristle unit shapes.

FIGS. 17-22 show detail section views of various possible bristle shapes.

FIGS. 23-30 show detail views of various possible configurations of bristle units in a row.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A silicone basting brush 10 is provided, as shown in the Figures. In addition to the spaces between bristles, slots 70 are provided within the bristles 40 (or bristle units). To load the brush 10 with sauce, the basting end 20 is dipped into or brushed through a volume of sauce. Some of the sauce finds its way into the slots 70 where it is retained as though in a pocket. To dispense the sauce onto a food surface, the brush is swept over the surface (not shown) releasing the sauce from the slots. As the bristles are flexed in this sweeping motion across the surface, the flexing causes the slots 70 to open (i.e. widen across the middle) and thus release the contents from the bristles.

Two types of “slotted” bristles are contemplated. In a first type, the slot is a hole or slit or channel cut into or formed within a bristle (like an eye of a needle). For instance, a basic type of slotted bristle 40 is shown in FIG. 4. In a second type, the slot is formed by the joining or fusing of two or more bristles at their tips (like a tent formed under a canopy of bristles). The bristles may be joined together at their tips by fusing or adhering the tips, or by placing a cap over the tips in a secondary process (not shown). Most likely, the first type will be easier and more cost-effective to manufacture.

There are many possible variations of bristle and slot shapes, and many possible configurations of the rows of bristle units generally.

The position, length and number of slots per bristle may be varied. FIGS. 8-16 illustrate various possible shapes of multi-slot bristles. Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, each bristle unit can be formed having individual bases 160, a conjoined base 170, or a separate base 150 that retains the looped bristles (or a single strand looped multiple times into or through the base 150). The slots may also be created by looping the bristles over themselves, either independently or in inter-looped bunches.

Further, it may be possible to provide slots that do not extend completely through the bristle. For example, a fluted bristle (as shown in section views in FIGS. 17 and 18) may serve the same general purpose of retaining sauce.

Two or more bristles may be joined (a three-bristle variation is shown in FIG. 26 and a multi-bristle variation is shown in FIG. 28). In addition to being joined at their tips 140, the bristles may be joined at another part along their length (to form a loop or multiple pockets for sauce). For example, FIGS. 23, 25, 29-30 show bristle configurations with the loops joined at various intermediate locations. The loops may further form a type of lattice, as shown in FIG. 30. In another possible variation, slotted or looped bristles (or bristle units) may be interspersed with unslotted, regular bristles, for example, as shown in FIG. 27. Finally, all size dimensions of the bristles, slots and rows can be varied, as can the positioning of the bristle units in a row.

The bristles may have other features intended to enhance wicking of sauce. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the surface of the bristles may be textured (e.g. bumps or ridges) to further promote sauce retention. The bristles may also have ends that are enlarged or bulbous, for instance, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, to increase the surface area of each bristle.

The interior of the slot may also have a shape selected to particularly enhance the retaining function. The slot may be rounded or squared or pointed at its ends. The sidewalls of the slot may also be scooped out or fluted to better define an enclosed interior space. Various possible cross-sections of fluted and slotted bristles are shown in FIGS. 17-22.

The bristles are of a flexible food grade silicone elastomer. Silicone formulations in the durometer range of about Shore A hardness 10 through 90 are considered particularly desirable. Silicone formulations below 10 may also be useful although the silicone elastomer may tend toward stickiness at this low durometer range. Silicone formulations above 90 may also be useful although some flexibility may be sacrificed. A wide range of possible formulations may be used for the silicone elastomer in the method to obtain suitable results as a basting brush. Preferably, the cured silicone elastomer should have a soft, non-sticky feel and a matte finish. In practice, the finished appearance may be either matte or shiny. The silicone elastomer may be translucent or opaque. It may be colored or pigmented.

Silicone is a particularly useful material for kitchen wares as it has naturally inert properties. It is resistant to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and water-impervious. Also, unlike conventional fibre brushes, the silicone will not fray or become worn in use. It has an easy-care surface which can be cleaned with simple soap and water, and is dishwasher-safe.

To construct the brush head, an injection molding process may be used (not shown). Liquid silicone elastomer is injected into the mold through one or more gates. Depending on the formulation of the silicone elastomer, curing may be at ambient temperature, or the silicone elastomer may be heat-cured or cured with a curing agent. In one possible embodiment, the silicone may be platinum cured liquid silicone. The finished surface of the silicone elastomer may be controlled by polishing or roughening the interior surface in the mold. The surface can be made to have a shiny or matte finish, and various surface textures may also be produced. The silicone elastomer itself may have additives such as stiffeners, colorants (pigments), or anti-static agents to change the look, feel or performance of the finished product. The bristles may be molded in the injection mold, or they may be cut or formed by secondary processes after the silicone has cured (or partially cured).

Alternatively, the brush head may be produced using compression molding or another technique.

The brush head of the basting brush 10 may be composed of multiple sections or tiers of bristles. For manufacturing convenience, it may be preferred to mold flat sections 50 or tiers (one- or two-bristles deep) and stack the sections together in a layered stack 130 when the basting portion 20 and handle portion 30 are assembled. The sections of bristles 50 may be retained in and project out from a hollow portion 90 of the sleeve or ferrule 60, or in a hollow end of the handle portion itself. As shown in FIG. 4, a separate spacer may be added to correctly position the stack in sleeve 60. The stack may be sealed to keep out residue. However, even if not sealed, the silicone's natural resistant properties will inhibit mold or bacteria growth. Instead of a stacked configuration, the brush handle may have separate slots in which the sections or tiers are retained (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, the rows of bristles (or bristle units) may be offset in the stack to allow greater exposure.

In construction, the brush 10 has generally two main portions, a basting portion (head) 20 and a handle portion 30. The basting portion has a solid end(s) and a bristle end(s). The basting portion is joined at its solid end(s) to the handle portion (such as by retention in the sleeve portion 60. The solid end may be integral (e.g. 170 as shown in FIG. 7) or a separate piece (e.g. 150 as shown in FIG. 5). Individual bristles may alternatively have their own solid ends (e.g. 160 as shown in FIG. 6).

The handle portion 30 may have a solid body (not shown) or hollow body 100 (as shown in FIG. 4). One possible handle design is shown in FIGS. 1-4, having a rivetted gripping portion 110. (Rivets 120 may be functional or decorative.) Many other handle configurations are possible. In another possible configuration, the handle portion and basting portion are integral.

The foregoing description illustrates only certain preferred embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. That is, persons skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that modifications and variations are, or will be, possible to utilize and carry out the teachings of the invention described herein. Accordingly, all suitable modifications, variations and equivalents may be resorted to, and such modifications, variations and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as described and within the scope of the claims. 

1. A basting brush for basting a surface comprising: a handle portion; a basting portion connected to the handle portion and having a plurality of flexible silicone bristle units; each bristle unit having a length and an end distal from the handle portion, and defining at least one slot along the length, the slot being defined such that it does not separate the end of the bristle unit; each bristle unit being capable of receiving and retaining a basting sauce in the at least one slot and releasing the sauce from the at least one slot when the bristle unit is flexed by applying the basting portion to the surface.
 2. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein each bristle unit comprises a bristle.
 3. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein each bristle unit comprises at least two bristles joined at their ends.
 4. The basting brush of claim 3, wherein the bristles are joined by heat-fusing.
 5. The basting brush of claim 3, wherein the bristles are joined by adhesion.
 6. The basting brush of claim 3, wherein the bristles are joined by a cap.
 7. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the slot comprises a pocket within the bristle unit.
 8. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein each bristle unit has a beveled or concave interior surface proximate to the slot.
 9. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting brush comprises rows of bristle units.
 10. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting brush comprises a linear arrangement of bristle units.
 11. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting brush comprises a concentric arrangement of bristle units.
 12. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting brush comprises an offset linear arrangement of rows of bristle units, wherein bristle units in adjacent rows do not touch each other.
 13. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting brush comprises fluted bristle units.
 14. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting brush comprises perforated bristle units.
 15. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein at least one of the bristle units comprises multiple slots.
 16. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the bristle units have surface texturing to enhance sauce wicking.
 17. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting portion is integral with the handle portion.
 18. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting portion and handle portion are of a common material.
 19. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting portion is a relatively flexible material and the handle portion is a relatively rigid material.
 20. The basting brush of claim 1, wherein the basting portion is removable from the handle portion. 